From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 10s
DHS Proposes $70k School Fee for OPT
DHS requires schools to pay $70,000 before recommending foreign students for OPT.
In brief
DHS requires schools to pay $70,000 before recommending foreign students for OPT. DHS proposes $70,000 fees for schools recommending F-1 students for Optional Practical Training to combat fraud and protect U.S. workers. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
DHS Proposes $70,000 OPT School Fee
DHS announced a proposed rule requiring schools to pay $70,000 before recommending F-1 students for Optional Practical Training for the first time.
“Dhs is upskilling opt to require foreign students to justify their worth to employers”
Fee Structure for OPT Recommendations
Schools must pay $30,000 for each subsequent OPT recommendation, with fees applying to the school's recommendation rather than a specific employer.
DHS Rationale for Fees
DHS states the fees combat fraud, strengthen immigration-system integrity, and protect U.S. workers by addressing problematic worksites and pay-to-stay schemes.
“Optional practical training was never meant to be a back door into the american workforce, a subsidy for cheap labor, or a prize for those who game the system”
Fee Collection Projections
DHS estimates annual fee collections after the transition period would range from $8.4 billion to $16.5 billion, with a primary estimate of $12.4 billion.
Schools' Financial Impact
Schools unable or unwilling to pay could stop recommending students for OPT, creating costs for schools, foreign students, and employers.
Potential Consequences
Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, argues discouraging international students would hurt u.s. innovation, economic growth, workforce development, and global leadership.
The headline
DHS proposes $70,000 fees for schools recommending F-1 students for Optional Practical Training to combat fraud and protect U.S. workers.
